Anatomical Models for Top-Level Training

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Do you ever use anatomical models to help train your med students? Whether you make orders for a teaching hospital, medical school, or other organization that trains future doctors and nurses, you should take a look at some of your training options. Medical models can help you or your organization provide top-level training for your students and can even help with “refresher courses” for medical staff who have worked in medicine for a long time.

Why use anatomical models?

Anatomical models, of course, are not a replacement for paid actors or volunteers. That said, they provide a great supplement when there are no human volunteers. For example, in areas that have no teaching hospitals, anatomical models can help medical students get an idea of how processes take place. Even in teaching hospitals, doctors may have a more difficult time finding patients who are willing to let students into certain procedures. People undergoing a pelvic exam or testicular exam, for example, may be unwilling to allow “extra” people into the room. Anatomical models can provide supplementary experience for students.

Furthermore, humans are unpredictable. Some months have higher birth rates than others. Some places have a higher count of people with diabetes or heart disease or any number of issues. But what if a med student trains in an area with a high diabetic population and then moves to a place with few diabetics? He or she will have a lot of insulin-related training. However, that student won’t have received a well-rounded education. Anatomical models help to round out a medical education.

Anatomical model options

These days, training models come in a wide variety. Medical students can learn all sorts of practical applications. For instance, those learning how to insert IVs can use an injection arm. An injection arm can come in a variety of sizes and skin tones, and it certainly won’t pass out if a student has to try several times to insert the needle! Those who want to specialize in neonatal care can practice medical procedures on infant models. Some of these “babies” even model special needs so that students can learn more about tailored care.

In addition to training students, anatomical models can also be used to teach patients. For example, a diabetic person might use an injection pad to learn how to inject insulin. This option allows patients to become more comfortable with the idea of self-injecting before they try the process on themselves.

AAA Wholesale company

AAA Wholesale Company has all of your needs covered when it comes to anatomical medical models. We understand how important it is for medical students and staff to get full and proper training. That’s why we devote our time and energy to providing the best products for teaching and for patient care. If you’d like to incorporate one of these models into your training process, check out some of your options here. And as always, please feel free to contact us at any time if you have questions.

Managing PKU

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Phenylketonuria (PKU) impacts the way a person metabolizes protein. People who live with PKU have low or no ability to process phenylalanine (PHE), an amino acid that comes in most forms of protein. As a result, the PHE can build up inside the body. Infants, children, and adults with this buildup have a risk of health and mental problems that come from this buildup. For example, PHE accumulation can cause seizures, hyperactivity, developmental disorders, and several other health issues.

Thankfully, this disorder is quite rare, and medical professionals have an easy way to test for this disorder in infants. The newborn heel prick test reveals whether or not an infant has this disorder. When doctors and parents realize quickly enough that the child has the disorder, they can develop a plan that will manage the disorder and allow the child to live a healthy life.

Treatment and Management

Individuals with PKU must maintain a low-protein diet to avoid mental and physical health problems. Any more than just a few grams of regular protein can cause health issues. Because this disorder has no cure, the individual will have to keep up with this restriction for his or her entire life to achieve optimal health. Additionally, those with this disorder should arrange regular blood tests with their doctors. With blood tests, they can monitor their PHE levels and make any necessary dietary adjustments. Some people with the disorder may take medication to manage their PHE levels, but most manage their PHE through diet alone.

PKU Oral Supplement

Although the PKU diet limits protein intake, even people who can’t have PHE need protein to develop and function normally. Doctors have formulated PKU oral supplements to help individuals with this disorder fulfill their protein needs. These supplements come without PHE, giving those with PKU a healthy way to get protein without risking health problems. Also, infant formula for babies with PKU gives parents a safe way to feed their children without causing a PHE buildup.

Your best Wholesale Supplement Options

AAA Wholesale Company provides medical and pharmaceutical supplies for the healthcare community. We have a wide range of PKU products to help patients manage their protein intake. From adult oral supplements to baby formula, we have your needs covered, and since we sell these products wholesale, you can save some money in the long run. Take a look at our PKU formulas here, and if you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at any time.

Infant Bed Safety Basics

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Your tiniest patients will need some of your biggest safety measures to thrive in a hospital setting. Outside of the medical field, some people think of children as smaller forms of adults. According to this thinking, children and infants need the same things that adults need, just in smaller sizes. In the medical field, though, especially for those who work in pediatrics, experts understand that children have different needs than adults. Infants especially need extra care in their safety, and hospital infant bed safety is perhaps one of the most important considerations.

Prevent Infant Suffocation

The most important aspect of hospital infant bed safety is preventing suffocation. Suffocation is one of the leading causes of infant death, and most of those deaths happen during sleep. The mattress that you choose can help keep babies safe from potential suffocation. Firm mattresses prevent an infant’s head from molding to the mattress and creating a “dip” for the child’s nose and mouth to get trapped. As always, practice basic infant sleep safety with hospital beds. An infant’s family members or friends of the parents may bring gifts such as blankets, pillows, and soft toys. Make sure that those gifts stay out of the baby’s bed.

Clean Mattresses Often

To prevent the spread of dangerous diseases, clean and sterilize crib mattresses on a regular basis. With their undeveloped immune systems, babies are more susceptible to certain illnesses than the rest of the general population. Premature babies are especially vulnerable to these illnesses. Some infants can catch illnesses from exposure to viruses and bacteria in hospital environments. You can help minimize the risk. Optimize your hospital infant bed safety by cleaning mattresses after each patient.

Prevent operation by children

Infants in the hospital may have older siblings, cousins, and other child visitors. When it comes to hospital infant bed safety, make sure that only adults can operate the beds. Release knobs should be easy enough for doctors and nurses to manage, but difficult for children to access. Release knob spacing can play an important role in operational safety.

Hospital infant Bed Safety

To keep the babies in your care as safe as possible, hospitals should have the best infant care technology. At AAA Wholesale Company, we have everything you need for crib mattress safety and beyond. Contact us if you have any questions, and be sure to check out the infant bedding options on our website.

The Role of Charts and Posters in Medical Environments

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Photo by Free-Photos on Pixabay 

The world of medicine has an abundance of knowledge and practical advice for the general public. Unfortunately, the limited interactions between the two make it difficult to impart all the information there is to share. In order to solve this problem, many medical offices turn to models, posters, and charts in their patient areas. Waiting areas, exam rooms, and consultation rooms are full of diagrams and scale models of different anatomy and disease prevention. However, in the age of the Internet, could it be that digital media is replacing these simple tools? Here’s a look at the role of charts and posters in the medical environment.

Is There a Downside?

First, it’s important to ask if there is a downside to including informative charts and posters in medical environments. Even if there are more effective ways to communicate information, there are no negative consequences to using visual educational materials. Additionally, there are demographics of patients, such as the elderly and those without internet, who may not encounter the information any other way. Some may consider charts and posters outdated. However, they cause no harm and can undoubtedly benefit at least some patients who encounter them.

Posters and Charts Are Effective for Teaching

In 2013, the Health Information and Libraries Journal published a review in which researchers surveyed all known studies on the effectiveness of poster presentations. The common conclusion among the collected studies was that these visual tools are effective “in increasing knowledge, changing attitudes and behavior” when included with other forms of education. While no studies compared charts and posters to different types of training, researchers correlated posters and a marked increase in knowledge transfer of valuable information.

Presentation and Location Are Important

While charts and posters have been shown to be effective, not all visual tools are created equal. For example, a poster that is overly crowded with information or a chart that is complicated and difficult to read will be less likely to assist in education. The previous journal review states it this way: “Although superficial, the graphical design and physical appearance of the poster can determine its success in promoting knowledge transfer.”  Locating posters in a medical environment lends them credence. But it is also essential that the media delivers the information well and in an attractive way. This way, it is sure to grab patients’ attention.

Ultimately, charts and posters are an excellent and inexpensive tool for medical professionals. They are a simple, passive way to pass on vital information to the general public. While the world continues to grow more digital each day, it appears that there is still an essential role for the charts and posters we all know.

Are you searching for charts or posters for your medical office space? AAA Wholesale Company has a wide variety of these helpful tools at the best prices. Browse our selection here.

CPAP Equipment Maintenance and Replacement

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CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machines are the primary treatment devices for sleep apnea. While this form of sleep therapy is highly successful, a large part of its effectiveness is dependent on proper equipment maintenance. Users must clean and replace CPAP equipment regularly to ensure optimal results. Here are some guidelines to assist you as you care for your CPAP machine.

Safe Storage and Cleaning

Be sure to keep your machine out of the regular reach of children and pets. When it is time to clean your CPAP, make a point to unplug the machine before proceeding. Avoid cleaning your machine with bleach, alcohol, and other harsh chemicals. Because you are using this mask on your face, steer clear of anything you wouldn’t want to breathe in. Instead, opt for warm water, vinegar, or wipes that are specially formulated for CPAP machines.

Which Parts Need Attention

The part that most obviously needs regular cleaning is your CPAP mask. You should wipe or gently wash your mask daily. Additionally, once a week you should soak your mask in one part vinegar to three parts warm water. Rinse the mask with water and allow to dry completely before using.

In addition to the mask, your machine uses tubing that should be regularly cleaned. On a weekly basis, submerge your CPAP tube in warm water with a small amount of mild soap. If you choose to clean inside the tubing with a bottle brush, be sure to be extra gentle so you don’t cause any holes. As with your mask, ensure that the tubing is completely dry before you use it again.

In the back of your CPAP machine, there are filters that purify the air as it enters the machine. The white disposable filters should be replaced when they appear dirty, about every month. Reusable grey filters should be rinsed weekly, or more if your home contains pets or other allergens, and replaced every six months.

If your machine includes a heated humidifier, the humidification chamber should be cleaned daily to prevent bacteria growth and build-up. Each morning after use, carefully remove and empty the humidification chamber. Wash the chamber with warm soapy water, rinse, and then leave it to dry. Once a week, soak the chamber in a vinegar solution. Be sure to only use distilled or sterile water in the humidifier to prevent unwanted chemicals. Also, check your CPAP manual because some humidifier chambers are dishwasher safe.

When To Replace CPAP Parts

Clearly, if any part of your machine breaks or cracks, you should replace it. This includes masks, tubing, filters, etc. Additionally, to avoid bacteria growth, tubing should be replaced at least twice a year. Different models and manufacturers have differing recommendations, but mask cushioning should generally be replaced monthly while masks themselves last between three and six months. Humidification chambers are also due for replacement about twice a year.

With proper care and maintenance, a CPAP machine can work at peak performance for many years. Make the above suggestions part of your regular routine, and you will have an excellent sleep therapy experience. As you search for the best prices on CPAP machines and parts, be sure you check out the CPAP section of the AAA Wholesale online catalog.

Four Facts You Need to Know About Pool Lifts

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It’s summertime, and that means time out by the pool. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that both public and private industries provide “accessible means of entry for pools.” Pool owners fulfill this requirement in two ways: pool lifts and sloped entries. While sloped entries are a part of pool construction, pool lifts are an easy way to gain ADA compliance with existing construction. As you consider adding a pool lift to your deck, here are four things you should know.

Pool Lifts Require Regular Maintenance

Pool lifts are a big investment, and it is important to care for them through regular maintenance. Due to exposure to chlorinated or salt water, the metal parts of a lift corrode or rust over time. In order to maintain safety and usability, the lifts should be regularly inspected, lubricated, and cleaned. Lifts in saltwater and outdoor environments require more frequent maintenance. Additionally, when a lift is not in use, it is wise to store it indoors in a cool, dry area.

The ADA Also Requires Safety Measures

Part of the ADA’s requirements is an education for your staff. When pool lifts are in place, the staff must be trained to operate, care for, and assist visitors with the lift. Also, the lift needs to be ready to use at any time during your hours of operation.

Placement Is Important

It is essential to place the lift in an area that is accessible and safe. A professional installer can help you if necessary. Be sure to allow deck space for a person to get to the lift to enter the water. A wheelchair requires thirty-six inches of clear and level deck space next to the lift seat.

Additional Equipment Can Improve Accessibility

While pool lifts and sloped entries are required for compliance with the ADA, there are further additions you can make to your pool area to make it more accessible. Handrails, seat belts, and ways to limit access (like a keypad or key operated controls) will all improve safety. Also, having a pool access chair on hand for guest use is a great convenience if you have the benefit of a sloped entrance.

Whether you are looking at pool lifts to meet ADA compliance, or you are searching for a way to improve your own private pool, a hydraulic lift will make your pool a place anyone can enjoy. By keeping these simple facts in mind, you will have a code-compliant pool in no time. For the best prices on accessibility equipment and other medical needs, visit our wholesale catalog here.

Walkers, Rollators, and What You Need to Know

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For any patient who has difficulty with balance or mobility, it makes sense to invest in tools to keep them safe. Some of the most common mobility devices are walkers and rollators. In this post, we will explore the differences between the two. Also, we will share tips to improve the use and safety of each.

Walkers vs. Rollators

The primary difference between walkers and rollators is wheels. While both devices have four legs, a walker must be lifted to be moved while a rollator can be pushed and will roll. Walkers are more stable because when all four legs are on the ground they won’t move. Thanks to swiveling wheels and brakes, rollators offer easy mobility but not very good assistance for balance.

How to Choose

If a patient has any issues with balance or needs to lean while standing, a walker is a better choice. On the other hand, if the patient is weak or needs to rest while walking, a rollator may be a better choice. Be sure to take location into consideration. Depending on where a patient will be using mobility assistance, they may need or prefer one type or the other.

Staying Safe and Mobile

There are several key components to safety with mobility devices. For one, ensure that each device is adjusted to the correct height for the patient. Elbows should be bent in a natural position while the patient is gripping the device. Secondly, use the device as intended. Many patients find it tempting to place their walker or rollator far in front of them and then take several steps to reach it. Instead, place the device about a step ahead and then step into it before moving the device again. This will help maintain balance and prevent a fall. Finally, be sure you are aware of surroundings. Relocate any power cords, rugs, or other tripping hazards from main walkways. In this way, you can prevent snags and disruptions.

Suggested Accessories

Whether you decide on a walker or a rollator, there are lots of accessories that will make life more convenient and even fun. There is a wide variety of walker baskets available to tote various belongings. Some even include a cup holder. If a walker is being used as part of a larger group of tools, add a cane holder for convenience. Trays are a great help, either for carrying odds and ends around the house or for mealtime convenience. Lastly, don’t forget to have fun with your device. Add color, stickers, flags, and anything else you’d like, as long as it doesn’t hinder function. Just because it has a purpose doesn’t mean it can’t be fun too.

The choice between walkers and rollators will vary from patient to patient. Regardless of the choice you make, be sure to adjust the height and prepare your spaces to keep them as safe as possible. And remember to keep it fun! The more individual and unique the device becomes, the more ownership the patient feels over their tools. If you are looking for the best prices on walkers, rollators, and accessories, look no further than AAA Wholesale Company! You can find our full catalog here.

Choosing the Right Compression Socks

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While compression socks are usually associated with diabetes, experts state that almost everyone could benefit from them. Unfortunately, the different types of support socks and legwear are often confusing and poorly explained. Here’s a quick guide to how compression socks can help you and how to choose the best option for your needs.

Who Needs Compression Socks?

Compression socks benefit anyone who sits or stands for long periods of time. They are commonly used for the treatment of varicose veins and blood clot prevention. Because of the cramped nature of extended travel, compression footwear is frequently suggested for long flights or drives. Bed-bound patients need them as well, and athletes often find them helpful in easing discomfort.

How Do Compression Socks Work?

Gravity makes blood flow more difficult in your lower extremities. Poor circulation due to disease, positioning, or lack of movement causes your blood to pool in lower locations. This pooling can lead to swelling, pain, and even severe clotting which can eventually cause serious harm. Compression socks, which squeeze tightest at the ankle and gradually less up the leg, squeeze tissue to improve blood flow. This squeezing is enough to improve blood flow and reduce swelling.

Choosing the Right Compression Legwear

Now that you know the benefits of compression socks, it’s time to choose the right ones for you. But how? The options can be overwhelming, with differences in material, price, height, and so much more. You should know that there are economy and premium versions of almost any compression socks and stockings. Economy socks have a lower price tag and are perfect if you only need compression socks occasionally, like for airplane flights or road trips. On the other hand, if you expect to wear compression legwear regularly, it is worth the investment to purchase premium products. They are made with more spandex and will be easier to put on and take off.

One of the keys to finding the right compression socks for your needs is measuring. In the morning, before you even get out of bed, measure your ankle and calf circumference. Depending on the height you are looking for, you may also want to measure the length of your calf and full leg. Using these measurements, you can buy compression legwear in the right size for you, meaning they will be more comfortable and effective. Unless your doctor has specified a specific height of compression legwear for your needs, you can choose whatever height is most comfortable.

Compression socks and stockings are useful for just about everyone. If you spend a lot of your time on your feet or sitting at a desk, if you have diabetes or varicose veins, or if you are an athlete, care for your legs with compression legwear. And as always, for the best prices for the best products, check out our catalog at AAA Wholesale Company!

Defibrillators: Automatic vs. Semi-Automatic

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In 2016, there were over 350,000 incidences of cardiac arrest outside of hospitals. To address this growing trend, experts have identified a vital “chain of survival.” Included in that chain are CPR and medical devices called defibrillators.

What is a defibrillator?

A defibrillator is a portable life-saving device. Any person in the vicinity can operate the defibrillator immediately at the time of distress. The American Heart Association and the American Red Cross agree that proper training and access to defibrillators could save up to 50,000 lives each year.

Defibrillators are becoming more and more common in public spaces. All fifty states now have regulations promoting or requiring them in public areas. There are many types of defibrillators. However, public settings typically have two main types: automatic (often referred to as AEDs) and semi-automatic. Here is what they have in common, how they are different, and how to know which is right for your needs.

What They Have in Common

All defibrillators deliver a targeted electrical shock to the heart when it is in a state of arrest. The shock aims to encourage the heart to resume regularly beating on its own. Both automatic and semi-automatic versions were created so that in the event of a cardiac emergency, bystanders can intervene with life-saving treatment without the need for medical training. To this end, both types include pictorial instructions, a monitor, and auditory cues.

How They’re Different

The primary difference between AEDs and semi-automatic defibrillators is user involvement. An AED does not require the operator to make any judgment calls. Instead, the operator follows instructions, and the device itself takes measurements and administers treatment. Semi-automatic defibrillators require the user to press a button to deliver the electric shock. All of the other processes, such as measurements and determination of necessary treatment, are the same as on an AED. Neither machine will administer an electric shock unless it is necessary.

How to Choose

You should base your choice of defibrillator on the expected operator. For example, if you plan to place the device in a highly public area, untrained laypeople will be most likely to use it. In this case, an AED is probably the wiser choice. Lack of training could make it difficult for a bystander to push the shock button. Therefore, it is better for the process to be entirely automatic. If you plan to place the device where it can be accessed primarily by people with training in treatment for cardiac arrest, a semi-automatic version could be better. This allows more control over the situation. The operator can ensure the area is clear and no one is touching the patient during defibrillation.

Defibrillators are a revolution in life-saving technology. As defibrillators appear in more public areas, the survival rate for cardiac arrest will vastly increase. Whether you choose an AED or a semi-automatic device for your needs, you can find the best prices and customer service at AAA Wholesale Company.

Four Things You Should Know About Ostomy Bags

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Patients who face an invasive surgery often worry that the aftercare is going to hamper their quality of life. In reality, medical technology has advanced in comfort and convenience, making medical devices like ostomy bags less intrusive and easier to manage. Here are four important things you should know about ostomy bags and how they will affect the patients who use them.

There Are No “Right” Ostomy Bags for All Patients

If you have spent any time at all around ostomy patients, you know that every surgery and stoma is different and requires unique care. Some patients will require a leg bag for ease of care. Others, because of active lifestyles and preferences, will choose either a one- or two-piece bag that they can change themselves with ease. There are so many factors that go into choosing the right bag– discretion, fit, and output to name a few. Regardless of your patient’s needs, there are ostomy bags that will facilitate a smooth transition post-surgery.

Plan to Change the Appliance 1-2 Times a Week

Depending on the equipment chosen and the sensitivity of the skin, it is imperative that ostomy bags be changed frequently. To reduce the risk of infection and irritation, change the appliances 1-2 times per week. Changing the bag too often can also cause skin irritation, so encourage patients not to increase the frequency unless necessary.

Each Patient Will Find Their Own Rhythm

Ultimately, each patient will integrate the ostomy bag into life in his or her own way. Some will choose to sit when emptying, and others will stand. Patients may choose a smaller ostomy bag for discretion in exchange for more frequent trips to empty it. Some will choose to shower without the bag in order to clean the stoma, while others will leave it intact. In each case, the more ownership a patient feels over their ostomy bags, the more likely it is that they will be successful in caring for their own health.

Education is the Most Important Factor

More than any product selection, the most important factor in a patient’s success with an ostomy bag is education. Teaching patients to care for and feel confident with their system will allow them to move forward with confidence. It is vital to teach patients how to recognize the warning signs of problems with their ostomy bags. Cramps, skin irritation, or any discharge from the stoma are all cause for concern. They should also be aware that no waste appearing in 5-6 hours should be reported to medical staff.

It is never comfortable or easy to make a big lifestyle change. However, most surgeries that result in a stoma also result in a happier, pain-free life for patients who had earlier been in extreme pain or discomfort. Educating a patient about their options and ostomy bag management will allow them to live a normal full life. To receive the best prices and service on ostomy bags and other medical supplies, browse our online store of over 250,000 products today!